About Us

Approach

Straight-talking, and down-to-earth

To us, a spade’s a spade, and honesty is a big part of our jobs. We love to help, but if we can't, we’ll let you know and point you towards those who can.

We work hard, but we also work smart

The 'consultant' in recruitment consultant is there for a reason, so we make sure that whoever you engage with has deep expertise in their given field.

We're innovative, agile and open

We’re open to new innovations and technologies that help us rise to the challenge, improve our effectiveness and provide more value for our audience.

Meet the Team

David Jenkins

Managing Director

1. Who are you and what do you specialise in?

I own and manage Vertical Advantage. I set the business up in mid-2012 with the aim of creating a company that was great to work for and people really enjoy being part of – something I hope we have gone some way to achieving in the past 4 years! In the past I have worked for James Caan and set up a business in 2009 which was backed by his private equity firm, Hamilton Bradshaw which I exited in late 2012 with a view to launching Vertical Advantage. It has been incredibly rewarding thus far but I really feel like we are just getting started.

2. What are your biggest passions in life?

Spending time with my family – in particular my wife and my 2 daughters, Summer & Phoebe are enough to keep anyone busy, 24 hours a day! Outside of that I love sport & am a keen Everton fan (I know, it’s not good), a horse racing enthusiast and follow Ireland in most international sports they compete in. Playing wise, I have been known to play a poor round of golf on an occasion, still play a little 5 a side football and love to ski when I get the chance.

3. Tell us a secret that people may not know about you?

People may not know I have recently invested in a share of a race horse which has won 2 of its first 4 races which I particularly excited about – one day, I would love to have a runner in the Gold Cup or Grand National! I’ll keep the name a secret though!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-jenkins-4251724/

Jo Miller

Commercial Director

1. Who are you and what do you specialise in?

I’m the Commercial Director at Vertical Advantage. I've been working in recruitment for many years and I've always loved this industry. At Vertical Advantage, I specialise in helping the team to fulfill their potential through ensuring they have everything they need, through giving ongoing support in developing their individual areas and creating an environment in which they can flourish.

2. What are your biggest passions in life?

My biggest passion are my children and I love spending time with them. I also love to travel when I get the opportunity! In my free time I do as much as dance exercise as I can fit in – zumba, aerolatino, step – any exercise to music and I’m there. Of course, I can’t forget to say that I love food and drink!

3. Tell us a secret that people may not know about you?

In my spare time I’m a zumba teacher for kids in a local after school club!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-miller-845611b1/

Jayna Kalyan

Associate Director - Supply Chain & Procurement

1. Who are you and what do you specialise in?

I’m the Associate Director for the Supply Chain and Procurement team here at Vertical Advantage. After graduating I began a career as an Account Manager in the ‘not-for-profit sector’ and moved into Supply Chain recruitment six years ago for an agency backed by James Caan and his private equity firm, Hamilton Bradshaw. I joined Vertical Advantage to establish, develop and lead the Supply Chain and Procurement division and mainly operate in the FMCG/Consumer/Retail space.

2. What are your biggest passions in life?

Whether it’s from discovering new cuisines, shopping for ingredients, preparing new and exciting meals, sharing food with friends or and of course eating out at wonderful restaurants, my biggest passion in life is food and more food! I love everything about it, from good quality, home-cooked meals to Michelin-starred treats!

3. Tell us a secret that people may not know about you?

I am a volunteer for a charity call ‘Time To Talk Befriending’ who support the elderly. They can suffer massively from loneliness and are a lot more vulnerable. Time To Talk Befriending gives me the opportunity to give a small bit of my time back to the community and help ease some of that loneliness and I usually get a nice cuppa and a biscuit or two for my time.

https://uk.linkedin.com/in/jayna-kalyan-49ba8b17

Andy Davies

Associate Director – eCommerce, Digital, Marketing & Sales

1. Who are you and what do you specialise in?

I manage a team that recruits for roles across Sales, Marketing and Digital, our feet firmly planted in both client and agency camps. From a personal perspective I am increasingly focused on the rapidly expanding world of digital. For my sins, I’m the longest serving member of the business who isn’t called David, having joined at the start of 2013.

2. What are your biggest passions in life?

I come from a family obsessed with food and drink, and a large chunk of my spare time revolves around this, be it learning new techniques and styles of cooking, brewing beer, visiting new restaurants or breweries, or reading about food - it’s always on my mind! In another life I was a full-time musician and remain hugely interested in all aspects of a wide range of music – playing, writing, listening, watching. I grew up in Shropshire and love to go back and spend time in the countryside, walking or cycling, and usually ending up with a pint of Shropshire Lad.

3. Tell us a secret that people may not know about you?

Two of the following are true – you decide:
I was part of the Guinness world record for the most players in a five-a-side exhibition football match in a 24-hour period.
I have a tattoo of the name Alan.
I once shared a stage with Chris Martin.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-davies-34991157/

Mimi Stansfeld

Client Development Manager

1. Who are you and what do you specialise in?

My full name is Maryel Cecilia Stansfeld, but otherwise known as Mimi. I have been in recruitment for over 20yrs across a multitude of different industries and sectors, including financial services, equity sales, private banking, the secretarial market and now the FMCG arena. I am currently the Client Development Manager at Vertical Advantage, a true ambassador of the company and continue to drive the business forward and forge long lasting relationships with our clients.

2. What are your biggest passions in life?

I am a keen sportswoman, enjoy, tennis, hockey, lacrosse, swimming, walking and am an avid skier. I love glancing through cook books and experimenting with challenging new recipes ( which usually end up tasting disgusting !). Keen Scottish Reeler. Enjoy drinking red wine, preferably a good claret or a smooth Malbec.

3. Tell us a secret that people may not know about you?

I am a fully qualified MAR Reflexologist, I also have an ITEC in Swedish Massage ( all over body massage ).

One of the below is true ! I am related to a well known explorer, you can guess which one? Levison Wood, Bear Grylls, Sir Ranulph Fiennes or Ben Fogle.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mimi-stansfeld-64936315/

Dale Hackney

Principal Consultant - Marketing & Digital

1. Who are you and what do you specialise in?

I work within the permanent Sales & Marketing division focusing on eCommerce and Digital assignments. I've been working within the industry for approaching 10 years covering multiple specialisms including Sales and Supply Chain & Procurement. I'm truly exciting for what the future holds at Vertical Advantage and look forward to continuing to grow the brand.

2. What are your biggest passions in life?

My two biggest passions are my family and cricket! My weekends are spent either poorly trying to complete a DIY task that I've been set or taking my beagle Snoop for a walk. In my earlier years I played cricket to a good standard representing Kent through all the junior age groups. I continue to play cricket for Southend on Sea CC who play in the Essex Premier League. I also captained the first team in 2014.

3. Tell us a secret that people may not know about you?

I once played cricket in the same side as West Indian legend Courtney Walsh.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dale-hackney-a09b7155/

Alexander Allison

Principal Consultant - Supply Chain & Procurement - Interim

1. Who are you and what do you specialise in?

I’m Principal Consultant for Interim and Contract roles in the Supply Chain and Procurement team. I’ve worked in recruitment since completing my Master’s degree, with a focus on the retail and FMCG communities since 2014. I enjoy the technical complexity to Supply Chain and Procurement, so I'm always keen to hear about the latest trends and innovations from my network. At Vertical Advantage, you’re likely to speak to me about some of our more senior roles.

2. What are your biggest passions in life?

I’m lucky enough to count a lot of authors as friends. I’m constantly being recommended amazing works of fiction and essay collections. I struggle to let a good book go, so my flat is heaving with them! I’m happy to provide recommendations, but be warned, once you get me started, we may end up talking all day!

3. Tell us a secret that people may not know about you?

I’ve played around half a million hands of no-limit hold ‘em poker. During the Summer 2012 Olympics, I played for a few hours with Michael Phelps. As a hobbyist swimmer, this was the highlight of my poker career.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-allison-17049a73/

Tom Disapong

Senior Consultant - Supply Chain

1. Who are you and what do you specialist in?

I joined Vertical Advantage in October 2017 having previously worked for a company recruiting within Food and Drink alongside Alexander Allison. I am part of the Supply Chain team recruiting on behalf of FMCG companies from challenger brands and SMEs to Blue Chip.

2. What are your biggest passions in life?

I’d say my biggest passion is football without a doubt, having competed at good youth level to become Captain of Bournemouth University’s Football team. I’m also a season ticket holder to a London football club (keeping it secret for now – for good reason). Food also plays a big part in my life – I love to cook when I can and try out restaurants and pop-ups around London.

3.Tell us a secret that people may not know about you

I sponsor over 15 wild elephants in Thailand and have a tattoo on my arm as a symbol for it

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-disapong-8608b382/

Jack Clark

Consultant - Marketing & Digital

1. Who are you and what do you specialise in?

I joined Vertical Advantage in July 2017, and have been recruiting since October 2016. I am part of the Marketing & Digital team, primarily focussing on Brand Management and Digital positions within the UKs top FMCG companies.

2. What are your biggest passions in life?

I have a huge passion for music and anything to do with mixed martial arts & boxing! I’ve been playing music for close to 10 years in various bands, and I love going to watch music in various different pubs and venues. MMA and boxing are sports that I follow religiously, as well as training (a long time ago) in kickboxing. I also have a strange (nerdy) fascination with space travel and the universe.

3.Tell us a secret that people may not know about you?

I have a track record of injuring myself and have a collection of scars – one broken hand, tooth through the upper lip, scars on each knee, one deep scar on my shin, and one on my chin after running in to a wall.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackclark-va/

Alexandra Prut

Consultant – Marketing & Digital

1. Who are you and what do you specialise in?

I have been in the UK for almost 5 years now. I came here to finish my studies in International Advertising. After a string of internships and jobs in hospitality, I started working in recruitment as a junior consultant doing mainly sourcing for positions in the financial sector. I then decided to use my knowledge gained from previous experiences in marketing and advertising and decided to look for a job within a recruitment agency that specialises in marketing. I joined Vertical Advantage in February 2016, and while I’m still getting to know and understand all the different positions within Marketing and Sales I intend to specialise within the Marketing and Digital sector.

2. What are your biggest passions in life?

I really love watching movies. I can actually spend days watching them! My preferences are for action movies and thrillers but I am open to other genres. I also like to travel and discover new cultures though I must admit that I haven’t done that in a long time. I enjoy spending time with my friends, going to gigs and festivals or going to the pub to enjoy a nice Sunday roast.

3. Tell us a secret that people may not know about you?

I am French, but shhh they suspect nothing!

https://uk.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-prut-bbba7b36

Chris Pickles

Consultant - Sales (FMCG / Consumer)

1. Who are you and what do you specialise in?

Originally from South Africa, I have been working in recruitment since January 2016 and recently joined Vertical Advantage. I work on the candidate scarce positions, joining the Sales and Category Team, sourcing excellent talent for both SME and some of UKs top FMCG companies.

2. What are your biggest passions in life?

It has got to be rugby! Coming from the southern hemisphere, I would be following rugby at all levels and can at times name every player, from every super rugby team. New to the UK I still keep up to date but am now broadening my expertise into European Rugby. Family comes first with me and while I have some family here in the UK, it is always special visiting the rest of them at different times of the year. Most recently travelling has become a huge passion with the ability to experience other cultures and ways of life.

3. Tell us a secret that people may not know about you?

In my youth, friends would always dare me to tackle bins on nights out (you always hoped they were not bolted down). I can speak, understand and converse in Zulu on a basic level.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-pickles-certrp-21305a67/

Christopher Hunt

Senior Consultant - Supply Chain & Procurement

1. Who are you and what do you specialise in?

My main area of focus covers Logistics and Supply Chain for Permanent contracts. I’ve worked in recruitment for over 10 years and have been proud to introduce some of the industries leading experts to business across the UK. This is a really exciting time to be working with Vertical Advantage and I’m really looking forward to being part of its growth.

2. What are your biggest passions in life?

My biggest passion is on the Golf course and I’ve been lucky enough to play at some of world’s leading courses. I always look forward to my annual European golf tour. When I’m not on the golf course I enjoy spending time with my family and walking my two dogs Teddy & Koko.

3. Tell us a secret that people may not know about you?

I’m Batman.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisyhunt/

Stephanie Rogers

Consultant - Sales (FMCG / Consumer)

1. Who are you and what do you specialise in?

I recently joined Vertical Advantage on the Digital and Marketing Team. I specialise in Digital Marketing roles within the FMCG sector. Previously I worked as researcher in analyst roles, so I am well versed in sourcing the best candidates for your vacancy.

2. What are your biggest passions in life?

I would say one my biggest passions in life are Gymnastics. Since being past the typical sell-by date, I attend an adult gymnastics class where I convince myself I can still do what I could when I was younger. Shopping is my version of a relaxation method and also spending lots of time with my gorgeous family and friends.

3. Tell us a secret that people may not know about you?

Something people may not know is that I represented Great Britain in 2011 in the World Gymnaestrada which was held in Switzerland.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-rogers-3b9479141/

Sophie Lees

Associate Consultant

1. Who are you and what do you specialise in?

I joined Vertical Advantage this August working with the Supply Chain and Procurement team as an Associate Consultant. Over the past couple of months I have learnt about different aspects of the supply chain through my team and the variety of people I talk to on a daily basis. During my time at Vertical Advantage I study towards my Apprenticeship qualification.

2. What are your biggest passions in life?

My passions in life are trying new things. Since joining Vertical Advantage my team have introduced me to all sorts of new things such as oysters (never eating them again), wild boar and red wine. I also have a passion for going to new and exciting places, I am lucky enough to have visited some amazing countries and done some amazing activities such as seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland!

3. Tell us a secret that people may not know about you?

I used to work on the fish counter in Waitrose so if anyone needs any fish gutting give me a call (at least recruitment smells nicer)

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophie-lees-bb445316a/

Jae Ullah

Associate Consultant

1. Who are you and what do you specialise in?

I joined Vertical Advantage through an apprenticeship scheme as part of the FMCG Sales team. Initially I focused on developing candidate relationships in this space and helping the team to resource for roles in National Account Management, Category Management, MS&P and eCommerce. Now I work sourcing the best candidates for the roles I am working on.

2. What are your biggest passions in life?

I’m crazy about testing my mental and physical barriers, the more extreme the better!

3. Tell us a secret that people may not know about you?

I’ve raised money for charity through two amateur mixed martial arts fights and a 10k run – I’ll be taking on the Cateran Yomp in June 2019 – 54 miles in 24 hours to raise money for The Soldiers’ Charity.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jae-ullah-2686b4125/

Amy O’Sullivan

Associate Consultant

1. Who are you and what do you specialise in?

I am an Associate Consultant in the Digital, Marketing and Sales team, working towards my apprenticeship qualification. I am very excited for this new adventure in my career and cannot wait to see what doors this can open for me as I develop.

2. What are your biggest passions in life?

I am very passionate about about beauty and fashion! I love trying out new styles and techniques to make sure I am always expressing who I am and looking my best. I love finding inspiration everytwhere I look, online and in person and I hope to be the most stylish person in the office!

3. Tell us a secret that people may not know about you?

I once met Maisie Williams, who plays Arya Stark in Game of Thrones, at a 5 Seconds to Summer concert, but I didn’t know who she was at the time!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-o-sullivan-549482179/

Natasha Adkins

Operations Manager

1. Who are you and what do you specialise in?

I’m Natasha and I work in business operations. I’ve worked within business operations since 2014! I specialise within the back-end systems and ensuring everything runs smoothly here, driving business efficiencies. I also assist the managers and teams in all aspects.

2. What are your biggest passions in life?

I love history and geography, so I’m studying a part-time degree with the Open University. I love anything and everything historical, so I’m always watching a documentary. I also love everything to do with nature, so I have four fish tanks in my bed room filled with all sorts, including an Albino Frog!

3. Tell us a secret that people may not know about you?

I run my own Tarot business on the side. I like to help people find guidance with the power of divination.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/natasha-adkins-3648408b/

Steve Carter

Non-Exec Director

1. Who are you and what do you specialise in?

I have over 30 years’ in the industry and have worked my way up from a traineer consultant at Hays in Sydney to Executive & Board roles with a number of global organisations. Over the past two years I have been focused on supporting ‘growth SMEs’ and their owners on building sustainable results, turning around underperformance, introducing process improvement, innovating to develop services and most importantly being ‘hands on’ in the development of emerging leaders.

2. What are your biggest passions in life?

Professionally, I am very focused on contributing toward the industry being in better shape, ready for the challenges that lie ahead and not rooted in the past. The changing dynamics in the sector are a big challenge for those that learned and earned in an era where ‘bashing the phone’ was the primary business driver. Personally, I love being involved in all things family and spend a lot of time planning our next travel adventure. I’m a big cricket and rugby fan and have been known to enjoy a night out!

3. Tell us a secret that people may not know about you?

I have a terrible fear of birds!!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevecarter2/

Do you want to be part of a passionate and experienced recruitment team?

How we do it

Relationships are the root of our success. But technology plays an important role in modern resourcing and market intelligence. In other words, the more we know, the greater our reach, the better we can meet our clients’ needs.

We invest in people – the best people – and we source those people through innovative models.

We personally know each candidate and client, so every customer is treated like they’re the only one.

Offering great service is really important to us. ‘Ahead of the game’ is a live concept at Vertical Advantage. As a professional recruitment team our individual clout in industry networks means we have a strong route to identify and attract the strongest talent in the market. Because we make it personal, we’re able to connect with top talent and spot trends quickly.